Cold and flu season is on the horizon (Image: Getty Images)

NHS burns experts in Newcastle have urged people to avoid using a common remedy to tackle the symptoms of cold and flu. The team at the Northern Regional Burns Centre has highlighted the risks of steam inhalation - which can, they say, easily cause serious scalds or burns.

Steam inhalation is a technique often recommended as a way to soothe and ease symptoms such as nasal congestion and breathing difficulties. But burns doctors said this often resulted in serious injuries, especially in children.

NHS bosses across the UK said they had seen an increase in burns linked to the practice - especially from accidental hot water spillages while patients are inhaling steam.

Christopher Lewis, consultant burn, laser and reconstru

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